Potty Training - take 2

Jamie and I decided that this past weekend was it... we HAD to be diligent about Sean's potty training. So, enter the Lance Potty Training Boot Camp. Saturday was it - no more diapers/pull-ups (other than naptime/bedtime). On Friday, we told Sean that when he woke up, he was a big boy and big boys don't wear diapers. WE dais we would take him to the store to pick out some brand new big boy underwear, and fortunately, he was super excited!

Saturday we went to Target to pick some out (I bought the last batch, he didn't get to physically pick them out... this may have been the key). He was SO excited all the way to the store, and was quite irritated with me when I had to pick up a few other random items. When we got the aisle with the "goods", his excitement reached a whole new level... it was so funny to watch! He picked out Yo Gabba Gabba, Thomas the Train and Toy Story underwear (no worries, we have Mickey, Incredibles, Nemo and Cars at home. We literally have all bases covered!)

When we got to the check out line and had to put the underwear on the belt, Sean started FREAKING out. I think he thought the checkout lady was going to keep them. She was so sweet though, and put them in a separate small bag JUST for him to carry. All was well in Sean's world again! On the way out of the store, he literally told about 10 people that he just got big boy underwear. It was so funny and I was SO happy he was so excited, but a little embarrassing too! ;-)

The rest, well, it's pretty much history. We had one small accident Saturday night right before bed, but he has been dry EVER SINCE! Monday we even sent him to school in his big boy underwear (of which he happily pulled down his pants for everyone, several times, to show them) - and still no accidents! I can honestly say I have never been more proud of my Sean man! Tuesday he got to go to the store to get some M-n-M's for staying dry, and today he asked if we could have "Spaghetti's" for dinner if he stayed dry all day.

Let me tell you, that was the best spaghetti I've ever had!!!

A typical Saturday morning

There is nothing better in my house, than a lazy Saturday morning! Nowhere to be, coffee is brewed, and a couple of munchkins tearing apart my newly picked-up house. The fun part is, the boys are really starting to "play" together and interact a lot more! That is one of the coolest parts of being a Mommy!

Here are the monsters hanging out watching "Little Einsteins" all while eating their favorite blueberry muffins!





Now seriously, could this kid be any cuter????

Naptime

Here is a picture that Nathan's teacher took of him today. Apparently he woke up from his nap long enough to look at her with a big smile, and then fell right back asleep!

What a cutie... I just LOVE this picture!!

CUBS WIN!

Last Friday, Jamie, Nick, Kyle and I were able to go Wrigley Field to see the Cubs play. It was Nick and Kyle's first ever major league game, so it was so awesome to experience that with them! The tickets were provided to us from our new health insurance company at work (Melissa and her family were also there), and you know me... I love free!! The company invited our husband's and children, but since our boys are a little too little to really enjoy the day, I asked if it would be possible to bring my nephews. They graciously said yes so off we went to Chicago!

The weather was perfect, the seats were great, and, the Cubs won! Gotta love that! It was a wonderful day with my nephews that I will forever cherish!
















Melissa and her daughter Paige



Seventh inning stretch

Happy Birthday Owen!

Saturday, Sean was invited to his friend Owen's THIRD birthday party! He had SUCH a great time... it was a Toy Story party after all! They had yummy cupcakes made by Owen's Mommy (Kelly), and then headed outside to swim! Sean was in heaven! The party was all boys, so needless to say it was craaaaazy! :-)

The birthday boy




Having fun in the pool (having fun with his buddy Brian)

Chillin' with the paci's

Last night we went out to Kamakura with the Dively's and the Welch's to celebrate my birthday. The six of us celebrate our birthdays every year, and have for many, many years. It's something I always look forward to... such great memories! This year, I FORGOT MY CAMERA!!! UGH! Regardless, it was a wonderful time spent with great friends. Another wonderful year to celebrate!

My soon-to-be cousin-in-law, Emily, was kind enough to babysit the boys since Dad is still recovering from his surgery. While we were at dinner, she sent me the picture below of the boys chillin' with the "paci's". Note: Sean's is actually a Ring Pop, but you get the gist!

Aren't they just too stinkin' cute?!?

4th of July

We had a wonderful 4th of July weekend... it was pretty low key (which is fine by me)! Saturday, we spent a good part of the day here at home playing in Sean and Nathan's NEW POOL! Oh yes, it was a hit and worth every penny (although I got it for $12.95!!) I even asked Sean this weekend if he wanted to go to Grandma and Grandpa's to swim, and he said, "No, I want to swim in my house." (Translation: the new pool.) :-) Me, I'll take Grandma's pool any day, but it was still fun to watch them have so much fun!!















Saturday night we had some friends over for dinner and cards... I must say, the meal was awesome! Very bbq-y! It was a perfect way to end the day!

Sunday, after church and nap, we headed over to swim at Grandma and Grandpa's and had the traditional 4ht of July BBQ. It was SO nice!! Here are some pictures from my Dad's amazing work in the backyard. I swear when you are back there you forget you're in Illinois! SO pretty!







That night, Mom and Dad kept Nathan for us so we could take Sean to see the fireworks for the first time! He was so excited all day, and was such a trooper waiting (forever) for them to start. Based on his lack of expression during the show, I wasn't sure if he liked them or not. But on the way home (and all the next day, and Tuesday, and Wednesday) that's all he talked about! We're still trying to explain to him that not they are not an every night event. :-)

Sean patiently waiting for the fireworks to begin





Sean and Daddy throwing a few "snaps" down before the show



"OOOH-ing" over a BIG firework



Monday, we all actually slept in (a little) and just lounged around home enjoying the day to be together. We eventually headed over to Grandma and Grandpa's again for more swimming. It was hotter than... so it was perfect weather to be in the ppol! We came home for a quick nap and then headed back that evening for more swimming and another awesome dinner!

Sean can actually touch in the shallow end this year, so he had a really great time bouncing from one end of the shallow end to the other, with noodle in hand of course! He really loves to be in the water, and his wrinkled feet and hands showed it!






The one thing I regret terribly is that I didn't get a picture of Sean and Nathan together... Their matching shirts were SO cute, and Sean LOVED the fact that they had flags on them! I'll get one this week... I promise!